ARTICLE THREE

Emerging technologies changing our service delivery models

By Mary Ann Kajewski

Kajewski highlights new technologies that will allow libraries to provide a better service to users by offering ease of access to what they want when they need it, optimally 24/7.

The article provides positive examples of integrating technologies such as: blogs, wikis, RSS aggregators, podcasts, web conferencing and instant messaging into library services and programs.

Blogs or Weblogs

Kajewski looks at Blogs as having a few different functions in a library:

Blog as an information services
Promoting to clients changes and additions to collections. Also to let clients know news and current

Blog as a library service
Kajewski highlights listing new books, CD's or DVD's to collection. Adding links to reviews or allowing clients to add their own reviews or start a book discussion.

Blogs as a feedback tool
Allowing customers to add comments / feedbacks about library services or experiences.

Blog as a professional awareness tool
Using the blog as a tool to keep you update to date with new and upcoming technology and their impact on the library profession.

Blog Examples

Darien Library – Connecticut http://www.darienlibrary.org/blogs.php
Has different blogs for communicating with different users about different topics. For example a blog about their new Library building, what events are happening in the Library, a children’s and a teen blog. All aimed at a specific user group.

Yarra Plenty Regional Library in Victoria
http://yarraplentylibrary.blogspot.com/index.html
Have a Library blog detailing events, as well as describing materials available in the Library on different topics. They also have a local history blog, genealogy blog, and a book blog.

Bayside Library Service Library in Melbourne
http://www.baysideonlinelearning.blogspot.com/
Has a blog for staff to keep abreast of what is happening in the organisation.

Wikis

Wikis allow registered users to contribute or edit information to the site, regardless of whether they have programming or html experience, allowing for contributions from a wide audience.

Wikis for librarians Example

The CSU (Colarado State University) Libraries
http://lib.colostate.edu/publicwiki/index.php?title=Main_Page
Public Wiki hosts working space for staff at the CSU Libraries to use when collaborating with persons outside the CSU Libraries. It is intended to be useful for organizing, collaborating, and presenting information important to the group

Wikis for library users Example

Pierce County Library http://wiki.piercecountylibrary.org/?t=anon
The purpose of this wiki is to develop a guide about Books, Films, Music, Reading and more that reflects the knowledge of our diverse communities. Anyone with knowledge about these topics and would like to participate in open collaboration is encouraged to contribute to this wiki.

RSS Feeds and Aggregators

RSS is a format that allows users to receive notification of updates or changes. Kajewski identifies how this technology can be adapted to library usage as a syndicated feed. Registered users can subscribe to the library feed to keep them update with what is happening at the library without having to visit the website.

RSS feed Examples

State Library of Victoria RSS Feeds & Podcasts
http://www.slv.vic.gov.au/about/site/feeds/
The State Library provides RSS feeds for a range of information, including latest news, media releases, events, podcasts, new jobs, lectures, talks and more.

To receive Library RSS feeds (including podcasts) you need a feed reader and must also subscribe to Library feeds.

Podcasts and Vodcasts

Kajewski identifies how podcasts can be used in a library such as:
• As a training tool
• Library tour tool
• Weekly updates about what is going on in the library and the community

Instant Messaging

Kajewski describes the use of instant messaging in libraries as an economical, though controversial way for a library to provide a virtual reference services.

Instant Messaging Example

University of Nevada Library http://www.library.unlv.edu/ask/chat.html
Allows users to use their Instant Messenger program to chat live with a UNLV librarian.

Kajewski also identifies some of the difficulties in providing such technology, such as privacy and staffing, especially having trained staff on hand.